With most stays, I always go off the vibe above everything else, and when I stepped through the bright yellow doors leading into the front porch, I felt a huge sense of calmness. I’ve seen all the photos of the front porch on social media and didn’t expect to actually be impressed still. You know how you’ve seen the Effiel Tower all over the Internet but then when you stand in front of it, you still can’t get over how beautiful it really is? Yeah, that’s pretty much how I felt. It is even more gorgeous in person than in photos. But that’s just the beginning.

You can spot it from the freeway and once you enter valet, you have the immediate sense that you’re home. The interior design will leave you in awe while you register exactly where you are, this is Menlo Park. Located about 45-minutes from San Francisco, Menlo Park is also known as Silicon Valley and right next door to Hotel Nia is Facebook’s headquarters. Yep, you’re surrounded by the biggest tech companies but once you step inside your room, you’ll forget all that and be mesmerized by how beautiful your home away from home is.

If you’re familiar with the Bungalow, drive a few minutes past it and you’ll find yourself at Oceana. You won’t find any loud parties or obnoxious drunks here. Nope, this luxurious boutique hotel is suited for those who really want to get away from the craziness of Santa Monica and are seeking a relaxing stay.

Located right in Beverly Hills (on Beverly Drive) is a place where you can leave all your worries behind for at least two-hours. This Japanese Spa is the perfect place to getaway from the crazy traffic, hustle and bustle of LA, and your crazy boss. It really is a haven that everyone needs to experience at least once.

Ojai is located about 83 miles from LA, roughly an hour and half drive. It’s an easy drive and from my place (in San Gabriel), the 210 is the freeway you take most of the way, which allows you to avoid a good amount of traffic. For the last 20 minutes of the drive, you get some breathtaking views as you wind up the mountainside. Just be on the lookout for bikers.

Situated across from The Grove, Farmer’s Daughter is a boutique hotel offering a unique experience. With daily whiskey tasting hour, an on-site restaurant with amazing food, and cozy quarters to hideaway from the hustle and bustle of Melrose, it is a perfect getaway for couples and friends.

With villa rentals accommodating up to a group of 4 adults or 4 adults and 2 children, these resort residences were built to fully equip you with all your needs for a stay. Better than an Air B&B, as you don’t have to clean or cook if you don’t please, since room service is a call away and the Seasons restaurant is located on-site. With a gym and spa located on the property as well, in addition to a beautiful heated pool and kids pool, golf-course, and plenty of activities the concierge can easily arrange for you, there is no doubt that there is plenty to do for everyone.

Technology meets luxury, blended perfectly with just the right amount of world-class service at your fingertips. All the things you could ever need for the perfect getaway can be found at the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills. However, I have to warn you that once you check-in, you may never want to check-out.

Located right in town is Santa Ynez Inn, a luxurious Victorian styled property with a private spa. Upon checking in, you’ll be presented a Tasting Passport, which provides you complimentary tastings to over a dozen wine partners nearby. Yes, free wine tastings — I told you this is heaven for wine lovers.

KSOLE and I ended 2018 with a trip to Big Bear, just three days in the area was enough for us. While it’s a great destination for those who love to ski and snowboard, it is also a nice and relaxing getaway from the city for couples, friends, and family who don’t like snow activities. With a selection of restaurants, a handful of coffee shops, and some interesting boutiques to shop through, Big Bear certainly is a place for everyone.

It’s a small town about 20 minutes away from Solvang, and one that I debated on sharing because it’s such a peaceful gem. The people in this town are humble, kind, and friendly. They live a happy life, a simple one, and truth be told, there isn’t too much to do when you’re there but it’s not meant to be a crazy weekend out of town anyways.

La Peer is said to be the most luxurious of all the Kimpton hotels in the LA area, and after staying at the Everly earlier in the year, I was quite curious to compare the two. I loved the Everly and their design is still one of my favorites around town, however the moment you step into La Peer, you can see the immediate difference.

The last family trip I had was during my teenage years and I think it was one of those tours from LA to Yosemite, on a bus filled with other families. I didn’t have the best time and I never wanted to go on another trip after that, however with my nephew turning 1, I knew I had to celebrate in a big way. Our family dynamics have shifted after his arrival and we are much closer now than in the last decade, so it was the perfect opportunity to go to one of my favorite cities for the weekend, San Diego. Luckily, I was able to partner up with Monarch Luxury Villas to ensure this family trip would be a success —and it was!

The best thing you can do for yourself is make yourself a priority, even just for a weekend. I promise you’ll feel much more focused, refreshed, and energized after a weekend away in Indian Wells at Miramonte Resort and Spa. Take a friend, a sister or your better half if you wish or just getaway on your own. It’s not only needed, but it is necessary.

Pier Market is the first 100% SF green business certified restaurant and the first on the entire Fisherman's Wharf. They are 3rd generation family-owned, and the owner of the restaurant is the one who built Pier 39, which I found to be really cool. The seafood is 100% sustainable and delivered fresh every day. We were so impressed by these facts that we did hold some high expectations for our dining experience. 

Chef Peggy Tan and her staff curated a special tasting menu for us that evening, which showcased a few of their most popular dishes and a couple of unique staples like the hamachi shooters, that are given as starters. Throughout the night, each course became more engaging in flavors and presentation. No two dishes tasted the same and each one left us anxiously waiting to see what the Chef had up next.

While there are plenty of tricks on Youtube on methods of packing a carry-on, I decided to share my own tidbits and tips for a three-day, in addition to what the must-have outfits are for a getaway.

Ojai is a beautiful valley and what I consider a hidden gem, as I believe that it's often overlooked by many. Whenever I'm looking for a quiet getaway for the weekend, I always think of Ojai. Why? Well, aside from the breathtaking views, Ojai is simple in comparison to LA.

KSOLE and I attended the 32nd Annual Wine Festival in Ojai on a beautiful Sunday afternoon on June 10th. While the festival was just four hours, it was enough to get you in the best mood for the remainder of your evening, and my tummy was quite happy by the end of it all.